Homepage Latest News Archives - Page 22 of 56

Redcliffe Residents Respond to New Public Camping Regulations

Redcliffe residents will soon see a significant shift in local regulations as Moreton has banned camping in public spaces. This decision followed increasing reports of safety and public health issues.

The ban on camping in public places, which will take effect Wednesday, 12 March, repeals the previous framework, which allowed for managed camping by those experiencing homelessness.

Reasons for the Change

The decision came after many residents expressed concerns about activities in public parks. They reported witnessing drug use, people carrying dangerous weapons, and aggressive behaviour. Additionally, issues such as littering, public toileting, and the presence of used syringes were raised.

Council explained that the previous “Persons Experiencing Homeless Camping Framework” had given them the ability to manage camping, but they felt it was not working as intended. Moreton Bay’s Chief Executive Officer stated that the framework allowed people to camp for long periods if they followed certain rules, such as keeping the area clean and not blocking public access. However, Council has now aligned its rules with other councils in South-East Queensland.

Council’s Stance

Mayor Peter Flannery said Council tried to be understanding when introducing the original framework. He said that over time, it became clear that the system was being misused by individuals who wanted free camping. The leaders emphasised that their primary responsibility is to the people who pay rates in the city. They felt that the illegal camping was negatively impacting the community.

Council also stated that some people refused offers of crisis accommodation and instead chose to camp in public areas. They reported that some individuals had specific demands for accommodation, such as certain locations or amenities.

Council clarified that they are not responsible for providing housing, stating that this is the responsibility of the State. They have called on the Department of Housing, Department of Health, and the police to take action.

Community Impact and Feedback

Deputy Mayor Jodie Shipway expressed sadness that people felt forced to live in such conditions. She highlighted the health and safety risks for both those camping and the wider community and council staff.

Cr Karl Winchester reported receiving complaints from schools, community groups, and residents who felt unable to use public parks safely. Cr Adam Hain said the original framework’s intentions were good, but Council had become too lenient.

He shared that some playgrounds had been closed for months due to encampments and that residents were experiencing severe problems near their homes. He also relayed reports of illegal drug deals happening in front of parents at sporting events. Council acknowledged that the change would affect people experiencing homelessness and urged state agencies to assist.

Published Date 03-March-2025

Redcliffe Residents Oppose Seven-Storey Waterfront Plan on Marine Parade

Photo Credit: DA/2024/4695

Redcliffe residents have raised significant objections to a proposed seven-storey apartment building on Marine Parade, arguing the development contradicts existing council planning policies and undermines community consultation.

Community Concerns Surface

Redcliffe Residents Oppose Seven-Storey Waterfront Plan on Marine Parade — *Photo Credit:* *DA/2024/4695*

Ian Flint, representing the Waves body corporate committee, conveyed residents’ “deep concerns” during a recent Moreton Bay City Council meeting. He highlighted that the development application for 25 Marine Parade, which outlines plans for five apartments spread across seven levels, including parking and a rooftop terrace, has stirred unease within the community. As Mr Flint expressed, the core issue centres on the perceived overdevelopment of the Redcliffe Peninsula.

He argued that the area is already experiencing substantial high-density residential growth, with numerous high-rise buildings either existing, under construction, or recently approved. Residents question the suitability of another tall building on a relatively small block, particularly given its proximity to existing properties.

Policy and Process Criticised

A central point of contention concerns the perceived inconsistency between the proposed development and the council’s planning policies. Mr Flint asserted that the council’s own guidelines suggest a two- to three-storey building would be more appropriate for the location. The proposed seven-storey structure, therefore, raises questions regarding planning consistency and transparency.

Furthermore, the development application’s classification as code assessable, rather than impact assessable, has drawn criticism. This classification meant that affected residents and stakeholders were not formally notified of the application, nor were they allowed to lodge formal objections.

Mr Flint stated that the lack of community consultation undermines confidence in the planning process and denies those directly affected a voice in decisions that will significantly impact their homes and quality of life.

Practical Implications Raised

Beyond policy concerns, residents have also raised practical issues. Specifically, they expressed apprehension about the placement of waste collection bins in the new development.

The proposed location, which fronts onto a pedestrian crossing and directly in front of the existing Waves building, is viewed as problematic. Residents believe this placement will create an obstruction and inconvenience for pedestrians.

Published Date 27-Feb-2025

Police Officers Allegedly Stabbed with Syringe at Redcliffe Watchhouse

Photo Credit: Pixabay

On Thursday, February 27, 2025, an alleged assault occurred at the Redcliffe watchhouse. Two police officers were reportedly stabbed with a syringe during an altercation with a prisoner around 11 AM.

Incident Details

According to Queensland Police Service reports, the incident involved a 27-year-old male prisoner who was in custody at the Redcliffe watchhouse. The prisoner had reportedly been taken for a shower and is alleged to have hidden a needle before pricking two officers – a male and a female.

Immediate Aftermath

The two injured officers were transported to Redcliffe Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. They are expected to undergo infectious disease testing as a precautionary measure.

Police Service Response

A Queensland Police Service spokeswoman confirmed that three officers were involved in the incident, with two sustaining needle stick injuries. The third officer was not physically injured. The 27-year-old male prisoner remains in police custody at the Redcliffe location.

Local Impact

The Redcliffe watchhouse incident has drawn attention to the challenges faced by local law enforcement in managing prisoner custody. The Queensland Police Union has raised concerns about the safety of officers and the current system of prisoner detention.

Ongoing Investigation

Investigations remain ongoing. The Queensland Police Service is conducting a thorough examination of the circumstances of the alleged assault at the Redcliffe watchhouse.

Key Facts

Location: Redcliffe Watchhouse
Date: February 27, 2025
Time: Approximately 11 AM
Injured Officers: Two (male and female)
Prisoner Status: 27-year-old male remains in custody

Published 27-February-2025

Expert Warns of ‘Cluster of Bites’ After Moreton Bay Shark Attack Near Redcliffe

Photo Credit: Alexander W/Google Maps

A 29-year-old man was bitten by a shark off Moreton Island, across from Redcliffe in Moreton Bay, marking the second attack in the area this month. The incident occurred near the Wrecks Walking Track, a popular snorkelling site, prompting concerns among marine experts about an increasing “cluster of bites” in the region.

The incident occurred near the Wrecks Walking Track. — *Photo Credit: Pexels*

Second Attack in a Month Raises Alarm

The attack took place around 3 p.m. on Saturday, 22 February 2025, with the victim reportedly snorkelling alone just five metres from shore at the Tangalooma Wrecks. Emergency services treated him for abdominal and leg injuries before he was airlifted to Princess Alexandra Hospital in Brisbane. The man was stable upon arrival and has since been released.

This marks the second shark attack in Moreton Bay in February. The first was the tragic death of 17-year-old Charlize Zmuda, who was fatally bitten by a shark at Woorim Beach, Bribie Island, earlier this month.

Recent Shark Attacks in Queensland Waters

The latest Moreton Bay attack is the fourth shark bite incident in Queensland waters in recent months:

February 2025 – Charlize Zmuda, 17, fatally bitten off Bribie Island
December 2024 – A man hospitalised after a shark bite at Curtis Island
December 2024 – Luke Walford, 40, killed by a shark at Humpy Island

Australia has seen a long-term rise in shark attacks. The experts attribute it to a growing population and increased ocean activity rather than an increase in aggressive shark behaviour.

Shark Attack Redcliffe — *Photo Credit: Pexels*

Shark Expert Warns of ‘Cluster of Bites’

Shark attack expert Dr Daryl McPhee from Bond University has warned that Moreton Bay is experiencing a “cluster of bites.” It is a pattern of multiple attacks occurring in the same region over a short period.

Clusters like this have previously been recorded in the Whitsundays, northern New South Wales, and Perth. According to Dr McPhee, various factors could be at play, including:

Increased prey presence in the area, attracting large sharks
Dolphin feeding habits, which can draw predators closer to shore
Seasonal changes affecting shark migration and feeding behaviour

While Dr McPhee acknowledges that bad luck plays a role, he notes that Moreton Bay’s waters are currently seeing increased shark activity.

Community Response

Following the latest attack, city official David Crisafulli addressed the state’s shark management program. He stated that the authorities are actively reviewing safety measures. Despite concerns, Tangalooma Island Resort director David James confirmed that tourism had not been significantly impacted by the incident.

What’s Next?

Authorities have yet to identify the species of shark involved in the attack. Fisheries Queensland confirmed that no Shark Control Program measures are in place at the Wrecks site, raising further questions about safety precautions in high-traffic snorkelling and swimming areas.

A government review of shark safety policies is expected to be released soon. Mr Crisafulli reiterated that human safety will take priority over other considerations.

Marine experts advise swimmers, divers, and snorkellers in Moreton Bay to exercise caution, particularly in areas with known shark activity.

Published 24-Feb-2025

Moreton Bay Unhoused Forced to Relocate as Camps Shut Down

A group of unhoused residents at Woody Point were forced to leave their makeshift camp after Moreton Bay Council fenced off the site, citing serious health concerns. The eviction left several people, including a woman escaping domestic violence, without a place to go. Despite offers of emergency housing, some say they have been left stranded with nowhere suitable to live.

Eviction at Woody Point: A Sudden Displacement

Residents at the Gayundah Coastal Arboretum camp were given seven days’ notice before authorities arrived to clear the site on Monday, 17 February. The decision followed a review that found human waste, drug paraphernalia, and other health hazards. Fencing around the area was installed while police supervised as the last few residents packed their belongings and left.

One woman, who had been living at the site for six months while hiding from a domestic violence perpetrator, said she had not yet secured safe housing. She expressed frustration, stating that while housing services had been in contact, they had not yet found suitable accommodation for her and her dog.

Another resident, who gave his name as “Toothpick,” acknowledged the camp was not a long-term solution but felt that the situation could have been handled better. He had secured housing in Caboolture but worried about others who had nowhere to go.

While some community members welcomed the eviction, calling the site an eyesore, others believed the situation exposed the lack of support for people with no home.

Unhoused camp in Moreton Bay — *Photo Credit: Chris Forbes/Facebook*

Suttons Beach Park Residents Face Fines for Staying Put

The evictions at Woody Point were not an isolated incident. Just days earlier, on Friday, 14 February, Council also issued compliance notices to unhoused people at Suttons Beach Park in Redcliffe, threatening them with fines of up to $8,065 if they did not remove their belongings from public land by Sunday at midnight.

According to the notices, their presence violated council rules about “storing goods on public land,” a regulation that advocates argue unfairly targets unhoused people with no private land to store their possessions.

Beau Haywood, a local charity worker, said the fines were unreasonable, as those affected had no choice but to keep their belongings in public spaces. Some residents, like Trent Heselden, had been living in the park for nine months while waiting for social housing. He described the experience as a cycle of constantly moving from one location to another, hoping not to be evicted again.

Council denied accusations that they were trying to criminalise the unhoused and said the regulations were about keeping public spaces accessible to the broader community. A spokesperson stated that no fines had been issued yet, only warnings.

Council Defends Action, But Housing Support Falls Short

Moreton Bay Council insists that all affected individuals were offered emergency accommodation through Queensland’s Department of Housing. However, some residents dispute this, saying they were not given realistic or suitable options.

Council argues that the removals were necessary due to public health risks, particularly at Woody Point, where the park will now undergo a six-month remediation process to restore the area. Acting Mayor Jodie Shipway defended the decision, saying that camping in these conditions was unsafe for both the unhoused and the broader community.

However, unhoused advocates warn that simply moving people from one location to another does not solve the problem. They say Queensland’s housing shortage is the real issue, with Moreton Bay experiencing a 90% increase in homelessness over the last decade.

While some displaced residents have found alternative housing, others remain uncertain about their future. Without enough emergency or long-term housing options, advocates worry that many will simply move to another park or street, continuing the cycle of displacement.

Published 18-February-2025

Youth Movement: Dolphins Eye Forward Pack Transition as Veterans’ Contracts Wind Down

In a pivotal moment for the Dolphins’ future, emerging forwards Ryan Jackson and Michael Waqa are preparing to showcase their credentials in the upcoming season as the club carefully navigates its long-term succession strategy in the forward pack.

Read: Redcliffe and Surrounding Areas Set for Infrastructure Improvements

Next Generation Steps Up for the Dolphins

The timing couldn’t be more crucial for the young prospects. With veterans Mark Nicholls (35), Felise Kaufusi (32), and Kenny Bromwich (33) approaching the end of their contracts, and marquee prop Thomas Flegler sidelined with nerve damage in his shoulder, the door has opened for fresh talent to emerge.

Jackson brings a wealth of experience at the development level, having compiled 34 games across three seasons with Redcliffe and the Capras. His consistent performances, averaging 70 running metres and 15 tackles per game, demonstrate the kind of reliability the Dolphins will need in their forward rotation.

View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Dolphins NRL (@dolphinsnrl)

Waqa has already shown flashes of brilliance that hint at his potential impact. His standout performance against the Papua New Guinea Hunters, where he accumulated 137 metres and five tackle busts in just 42 minutes, coupled with his impressive defensive record of missing only two tackles from 47 attempts last season, suggests he could be ready for the next step.

Development Takes Time

Dolphins assistant coach Rory Kostjasyn maintains a measured approach to the young forwards’ development. “Forwards, especially front rowers, don’t mature until their mid-20s,” he notes, emphasising the importance of patience in their progression.

The coaching staff’s focus remains on translating pre-season effort into on-field results. “They’ve worked really hard in any area we’ve asked of them,” Kostjasyn explains. “It’s time for them to go and get it done on the field.”

Flegler’s Recovery Shapes Planning

View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Dolphins NRL (@dolphinsnrl)

While immediate NRL debuts seem unlikely for Jackson and Waqa, Thomas Flegler’s ongoing shoulder rehabilitation could accelerate their timeline. The club remains committed to Flegler’s recovery, with CEO Terry Reader confirming they’re not yet considering seeking financial relief for his position.

Read: Woody Point Unhoused Camp Shut Down Over Health Risks

“We’ll be giving Fleggy every possible chance to get on the field,” Reader emphasises, noting that the situation will be reassessed at the 12-month mark since his initial injury in round four last year.

Published 14-February-2025

Redcliffe and Surrounding Areas Set for Infrastructure Improvements

The Moreton Bay Region has secured a record $13.6 million in funding, including $4.3 million in competitive grants and $9.3 million in allocated funding, to deliver vital infrastructure upgrades across the region, benefiting Redcliffe and other suburbs.

The funding, secured through the South East Queensland Community Stimulus Program (SEQCSP), will support various projects, from park and library enhancements to road and cycleway improvements.

Infrastructure Improvements Across the Region

*Bribie Island Library*
*Photo Credit: Google Map*

The successful funding applications reflect the council’s commitment to improving community facilities and infrastructure. Among the projects receiving funding are upgrades to parks, libraries, sports fields, and essential infrastructure.

The $3 million allocated to the Alma Road Bend Upgrade in Dakabin, part of a $4.5 million total project, and the $1.3 million secured for Stage 2a of the Hornibrook Esplanade Cycleway in Clontarf, part of a $1.8 million total project, will significantly enhance local transport options. These projects were successful in the competitive funding round.

Enhancing Community Spaces

Some community spaces will also receive significant upgrades. Thanks to a $675,000 allocation, the Bribie Island Library courtyard will be transformed into a modern outdoor space for community connection and relaxation.

The Bongaree Caravan Park will see improvements to its water reticulation system, supported by $300,000, ensuring the park remains a high-quality tourist destination. Redcliffe will also benefit from new wayfinding signage, for which $350,000 has been allocated.

Langdon Park in Margate will receive $650,000 for sports field lighting renewal, and Margate Beach Park will have its amenities upgraded with $650,000, all of which aim to improve local recreation. These projects were among the 11 that received allocative funding.

Government and Council Collaboration

*Margate Beach Park*
*Photo Credit: Google Map*

The Queensland Government has expressed its support for the projects, emphasising their importance to local communities. The government is working closely with the City of Moreton Bay, having already released 50% of the funding to enable work to commence. Regular progress reporting will ensure accountability and timely project delivery.

Council representatives have highlighted the positive impact of these projects on their respective communities. They have spoken about the improvements to community facilities, the support for local tourism, and the focus on active transport options. The council stated that the funding reflects its commitment to delivering projects that benefit residents, businesses, and visitors, making the region an even better place to live, work, and play.

Published Date 11-Feb-2025

Woody Point Unhoused Camp Shut Down Over Health Risks

A camp filled with rough sleepers in Woody Point will be shut down after officials from the City of Moreton Bay declared the site a serious public health risk, forcing the unhoused to vacate within seven days.

Human waste, drug paraphernalia, and vermin were cited as the key reasons for the move, stating that the area at the Gayundah Arboretum will require six months of remediation work costing more than $110,000.

Community Concerns and Council’s Decision

On Monday, 10 February, eviction notices were issued to around a dozen unhoused individuals living in the park. City officials, along with Queensland Police and the Department of Housing, oversaw the closure, with fencing expected to be installed to block access.

Acting Mayor Jodie Shipway said the decision was based on urgent health and safety concerns rather than a broader discussion on homelessness. She said using syringes, toilet paper, rotting food, and breeding mosquitoes posed a risk to the camp’s residents and the wider community.

Residents had previously voiced frustration over the park’s state, saying it had become unsafe and unclean. Some community members welcomed the action from officials, while others questioned the lack of permanent housing solutions for those being moved.

Impact on Unhoused Locals

For many of the park’s residents, eviction is another destabilising blow. Aiden Thomson, who has been living at Woody Point on and off for years, said he and others feel like they are being punished for the actions of a few.

Gayundah Arboretum — *Photo Credit: City of Moreton Bay*

While some individuals at the camp may have hoarding tendencies, he said, the entire group should not be made to suffer. Thomson added that many will simply move to another park, as affordable housing options remain out of reach.

Jaki Rose, a 59-year-old hospitality worker, said she had been promised temporary accommodation but was given no indication of whether it would be permanent or suitable. She had previously been denied social housing because her income was slightly over the eligibility threshold, yet she still couldn’t afford private rentals in Moreton Bay’s soaring market. She described the situation as falling through the cracks, with no real pathway to stable housing.

Temporary Housing: A Short-Term Fix?

In a previous eviction at Woody Point, the rough sleepers were temporarily placed in motels for a food and wine festival. Some fear the same cycle will repeat—a short-term solution without lasting support.

Advocate Beau Heywood, from Nourish Street, said he hopes the housing provided this time is long-term and suited to individual needs. He has been working with homeless individuals in Moreton Bay for nearly a year and said the process of securing stable accommodation is painfully slow, with only 11 people housed in 11 months.

For some, temporary accommodation is not an option. Aiden Quinn, a long-time park resident, said he would rather stay on the streets than be placed in a motel, which he compared to a jail cell. Others pointed out that motel rooms lack basic facilities like cooking appliances, making them unsuitable for long-term living.

While Council insists the Woody Point eviction is a health matter, homelessness advocates argue that without proper support, those affected will simply be displaced again.

Published 12-February-2025

Emerging and Established Artists Highlighted at Redcliffe Art Gallery

Photo Credit: QAGOMA

Redcliffe’s 2025 arts calendar is off to a flying start. Two new exhibitions featuring a dynamic mix of established and emerging Australian artists are opening at the Redcliffe Art Gallery.

The openings will feature the annual “15 Artists 2025” acquisitive prize exhibition alongside “Joe Furlonger: Horizons,” a touring exhibition developed by the Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA).

15 Artists 2025

Redcliffe Art Gallery — *Photo Credit:* *Moreton Bay Region Galleries & Museum*

“15 Artists 2025” will be held in Galleries 1 and 2 and presents recent works by 15 invited Australian artists. This annual exhibition serves a dual purpose: it highlights the diverse voices and ideas within contemporary Australian art while also enriching the City of Moreton Bay’s art collection through the acquisitive prize.

The exhibition offers a chance for the community to see a snapshot of current trends in Australian art.

Joe Furlonger: Horizons

Galleries 3 and 4 will host “Joe Furlonger: Horizons,” celebrating the career of renowned landscape painter and Moreton Bay local Joe Furlonger. Furlonger, who rose to prominence in the late 1980s with his large-scale figurative paintings, is known for his expressive and physical approach to painting, applying colour with vigorous brushstrokes. His work reflects inspiration from artists like Matisse, Picasso, and Ian Fairweather.

“Horizons” will trace Furlonger’s artistic journey through various media, including painting, ceramics, sculpture, and drawing. The exhibition combines pieces from the QAGOMA Collection and works held in the City of Moreton Bay’s collection, offering a comprehensive view of Furlonger’s artistic output.

Event Details

The opening event for both exhibitions will be held at Redcliffe Art Gallery. The official proceedings will begin at 2:15 PM with speeches, followed by music from Andre Reginato. Light refreshments will be provided, and all community members are welcome to attend.

Exhibition Dates and Gallery Hours

“Joe Furlonger: Horizons” will be displayed from Saturday, 22 February to Saturday, 10 May, 2025. Redcliffe Art Gallery is open from Tuesday to Saturday, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM.

Published Date 10-Feb-2025

The Soundtrack of Goodbye: What Song Would You Choose for Your Funeral?

Photo Credit: Unsplash

Music has long been a powerful part of funerals, bringing people together in moments of loss and remembrance. Now, two Queensland performers are asking the North Brisbane and Moreton Bay communities to share their experiences with funeral songs—what was sung, why it mattered, and what songs people might choose for their own farewell.

Their collected stories will be woven into a new performance, Confessions of a Funeral Singer, set to be staged at Anywhere Festival Moreton Bay in May 2025.

A Community-Driven Performance on Music and Mourning

Artists Leah Cotterell and Narelle McCoy are leading this project, drawing from years of research into music, death rituals, and personal reflections on grief. They are appealing to locals who have sung at funerals, attended services with memorable songs, or have personal choices for their own final farewell.

The performance will occur at Woody Point Community Hall, The Hills District Community Centre, and Dayboro Community Hall. It will feature real-life stories and music reflecting the emotions surrounding funeral singing—ranging from solemnity and sorrow to moments of unexpected laughter.

For Cotterell and McCoy, funeral music is more than just tradition but a shared experience that unites mourners. They aim to create a space where people can explore how songs help them navigate loss while acknowledging the diverse cultural and personal meanings behind music choices.

Leah Cotterell and Narelle McCoy — *Photo Credit: Leah Cottrell*

From Cemeteries to Community Halls

This project follows their previous work, Whistling Past the Graveyard, which was performed in South Brisbane Cemetery (2023-2024) and at Redcliffe Museum (2024). Those performances blended academic research, personal memoirs, and music to encourage conversations about death, funeral rituals, and the emotions surrounding them.

With Confessions of a Funeral Singer, they are shifting the focus to the role of music in modern funerals, engaging with the public to gather firsthand accounts. Their research includes insights from McCoy’s studies on Irish wake traditions and Cotterell’s experience as a carer and musician, examining the intersection of music, empathy, and mourning.

How to Contribute

Cotterell and McCoy are inviting community members to share their funeral singing stories via email at confessionsofafuneralsinger@gmail.com. Whether it’s a song that deeply resonated at a loved one’s farewell or a humorous moment in a service, they are keen to hear personal experiences that highlight the role of music in saying goodbye.

Published 11-February-2025